ElectionsElections

Why…Why…

……have elections become so in have elections become so in vogue?vogue?– Democracy is a happy word!Democracy is a happy word!– Give voters choiceGive voters choice– Allow state to mobilize citizensAllow state to mobilize citizens

Electoral SystemsElectoral Systems

Single Members District PluralitySingle Members District Plurality Proportional RepresentationProportional Representation

– List PRList PR– Duverger’s LawDuverger’s Law

Conditions for SMDP BiasConditions for SMDP Bias– Small party has strength concentrated, Small party has strength concentrated,

may not be hurt by SMDPmay not be hurt by SMDP– Fewer districts Fewer districts more likely small more likely small

parties will be hurtparties will be hurt

Electoral SystemsElectoral Systems

Which leads to more participation?Which leads to more participation? Which leads to closer ties between Which leads to closer ties between

citizen and government?citizen and government?

Paradox of VotingParadox of Voting

Is it irrational to take the time to Is it irrational to take the time to vote?vote?– Vote v. die on ways to pollVote v. die on ways to poll

Two issuesTwo issues– Individual-levelIndividual-level– Who benefits from voting?Who benefits from voting?

Bases of ChoiceBases of Choice

IssuesIssues Party identificationParty identification Social groupsSocial groups DemographicsDemographics